But now in the cold light of day, the thought of a man having rules for her felt like someone running nails down her spine. Sex was one thing. Bedroom play she could rationalize as just kinky fuckery that didn’t impact her independence.
Outside the bedroom, however…
If you disobey me, I will put you over my knee and spank your naughty bottom until I’m very sure you won’t break that particular rule ever again. Is that going to be a problem for you?
Yeah, actually, now that she thought about it, that was a big fucking problem for her.
Ugh.
Stomach churning, she turned away from the mirror to slip into her heels and grab her purse so she could head down to brunch.
Maybe he wouldn’t show up. Maybe he was just a big talker and he had no intention of ever seeing her again. Really, that would be the best thing for everyone involved. If he did show up, however, they’d need to have a serious talk.
One that would likely end with her telling him to fuck right off and never talk to her again if it turned out he really was the controlling bastard he’d made himself out to be.
Chapter Eleven
Aria
She was still chewing over the Master O problem when she stepped into the ballroom where brunch was set up.
“Aria!”
At Lottie’s happy squeal, Aria forced a smile and changed directions to head toward her father and his beaming new bride. Lottie’s arms wrapped around her the second she joined them, squeezing so tightly she nearly couldn’t breathe.
“Oh my god, you look amazing. I told you that dress was perfect for you. Doesn’t she look great, Braden?”
“She does.” Affection warmed her father’s eyes as he reached for her, pulling her in for a hug. “I’m so glad you were here to stand up with me,” he murmured, and she had to blink back tears as happiness threatened to overwhelm her.
“I wouldn’t have missed it. But I’m starving. Is the buffet open yet?”
“It is.” Linking arms with Aria, Lottie tugged her toward the line of tables laden with food. “We’re going to get some mimosas and some of those mini quiches everyone keeps raving about before they’re all gone. And then you’re going to tell me what the hell happened last night.”
Panic slammed into her chest, gripping her lungs in a vice. “What? Nothing happened. What are you talking about?”
“Oh, please.” Pausing to flash a smile for the waiter who handed them each a mimosa, Lottie turned and cocked an eyebrow in a rather eerie mimicry of the look Aria’s father often wore. “Ruby spilled the beans in the group chat this morning. I know they took you to the club. I also know Braden does not know they took you to the club.”
“Lottie, seriously. You cannot tell him.” Reaching out, Aria gripped her friend-turned-stepmother’s arm. “He’ll be so pissed if he finds out.”
“Relax, I’m not going to say anything.”
“You aren’t?”
“Nope.” A mischievous smile curved Lottie’s lips. “As he pointed out to me yesterday, I have very specifically asked not to be involved in parenting you or to be put in the middle of any father-daughter issues you two might have. When it comes to your relationship with your father, I am Switzerland. Which means I’m not saying shit.”
“Oh, thank god. I just assumed you’d have to tell him since he’s your, um…”
Eyes twinkling, Lottie lifted her mimosa to her lips. “My Daddy?”
“Yes. Ew, but yes.” Especially now that she knew firsthand what it was like to call a man Daddy while he?—
Nope. Not going there with her father and Lottie. Absolutely fucking not.
“Normally, I wouldn’t lie to Braden, not even for you. But I figure I have that whole Switzerland loophole on my side here, so I can promise you that if he does ever find out about your trip to the club, it won’t be from me.”
“Thanks, Lottie. Seriously. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Now, spill. Tell me everything. Did you love it?”
